China Garden, The Strand, Ryde
5th April 2007 7
In the flat-iron building that once housed the Strand Hotel, Ryde now boasts the China Garden Chinese takeaway. Set back behind the imposing Ryde Castle, this modest takeaway is off the beaten track but a popular location for locals. Matt and junior reviewers Bill and Jack strolled into the... Read more
John’s Plaice, Shanklin
4th April 2007 7
John’s Plaice is a newish chip shop on the High Street at Shanklin. Matt visited with junior reviewers Bill and Jack one evening after a football match had placed them relatively far from home and in need of sustenance. The shop is modern, with clean white and stainless-steel styled... Read more
The Arthur Wakeley Restaurant, County Hall
1st April 2007 2
It’s a little known fact that the Isle of Wight Council’s hospitality suite is open to the public when not being used for civic occasions. High in County Hall a modern, air-conditioned suite of rooms – once offices for council bigwigs – now house an urbane and civilised eaterie... Read more
The White Hart, Havenstreet
27th March 2007 23
The pleasant task of reviewing all of the eateries on the Isle of Wight may never end; what with establishments changing their management and kitchen personnel and with new places opening all the time. In fact, it could almost be described as on a par with painting the the... Read more
The Bugle Coaching Inn, Yarmouth
27th March 2007 11
The capacious Bugle Coaching Inn in Yarmouth’s pretty town square was the venue for a Sunday lunchtime liaison. The welcoming pub has cosy nooks, a proper bar serving good beer, a light and airy conservatory indoors and a pleasant courtyard garden outside. Matt and Cat sat with a friend... Read more
Hurrying from one fun meeting to the next, Matt found himself separated from his sandwich box, and took a short diversion to the burger van located outside B&Q in Newport. It is said that every B&Q store has its own burger van, so it’s comforting to see that the... Read more
Charcoal Grill, Ryde
25th March 2007 3
It’s been a long time since Matt has turned out of a pub at a late hour and teetered into a kebab shop on the way home. In fact, since his days as a student, last century, he’s found no particular reason to enter a kebab parlour… until now.... Read more
Dos Amigos, Ryde
12th March 2007 15
Matt and Cat love living on the Isle of Wight. It’s a great place to be, particularly in the summer with its temperate climate, lively visitors and beautiful countryside. However, off season, it can be a bit, well – closed. At least that’s the experience Matt and Cat had... Read more
China China, Cowes
1st March 2007 9
Like moths to the flame, Matt and Cat were drawn one evening to the enticing pink and purple glow emanating from China China, a most exciting-looking venue on Cowes Parade. The outside of the building is a sight to behold; not only for its sexy lighting but its granite... Read more
The Sun Inn at Hulverstone
25th February 2007 26
The Sun Inn first came to Matt and Cat’s attention some years ago when its name was splashed over the local paper. A campaign by concerned locals to prevent the ancient hostelry from being converted to a house was eventually successful, and the pub, closed for some time, reopened... Read more
